Governor Northam Calls Legislators Back For Special Session

Southwest Virginia legislators are being called back to Richmond to join other lawmakers for a special session next month. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam froze more than two billion dollars in new spending in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislators adjourned without passing a biennial budget. So lawmakers will now look at adopting a budget based on revised revenue forecasts in light of the current pandemic. Childhood Education, tuition free community college, affordable housing and broadband budget items will be addressed and could be placed back in the budget. Legislators are also expected to discuss Criminal Justice and Police reform measures as well. The General assembly will reconvene on August 18.